"You killed our guardian. Of course. That's how we became aware of your presence. But how could you have known of this place? How did you come here?"
"We'll ask the questions, Earthman!" A strength seemed to rise in Lorine as she came a step forward, eyes blazing, electro held high. "Is George Landreth here? Answer me that!"
"George ... Landreth." Again that strangeness about Frane, a shadow across the eyes. "I believe that such a one is here."
"Then you will take us to him. At once!"
"Presently," the man contradicted. "Just now I will take your weapons, please. All of them." It was not so much a command as a statement, seeming so ridiculous that a loud guffaw come from Rikert. Lorine came forward, not smiling, and thrust the electro hard against Frane's side.
"Enough of this talk. Your choice! Take us at once to George Landreth or I'll blast you here and now!"
The man seemed unconcerned. "That you will never do. Look about you."
From beneath the machines a dozen men had silently entered the room. They were unarmed, except for the nets they carried—nets that flowed as if woven of fire.
"Magna-webs!" gasped Lorine. "Back, back Curt!"
But she was too late. Before Curt and the others could react to her panicked words, the strange men flung the nets at them. They only lifted their arms and released the magna-webs, which floated through the air with deceptive swiftness.